Hey what up burners of the interweebs.
Just wanted to say hi and introduce myself while I'm preparing overseas for this year's burn.
A little about me, my name is Kris, I'm originally from Canada but have lived in Sydney Australia for the past 8 years.

While I lived in Canada Ive never attended a non-commercialised festival or any event with a strong DIY culture until I moved to Sydney. In Australia I was introduced to "doofs" which for those who don't know, is Aussie slang for an electronic party out in the bush. Some doofs are official with permits and bros and cops and trash tsunamis etc, while the best ones in my opinion are small and intimate with minimal environmental impact, where you get to know creative people, and everything is put on entirely by the participants.

What struck me about burning man when I first went in 2016 was the sheer scale of just what "do it yourself" can accomplish. People were erecting colossal temporary structures, installing spectacular artworks, and organising an overwhelming number of events, social groups and attractions. I had such an inspiring time being involved with and meeting a diverse array of people that when I returned back home I quit my job as a web developer and decided to do what I truly wanted to do - work with power tools and make art.

Fast forward two years, I now have a workshop where I make mechanical wooden sculptures and I've found my gang of artist friends. My bodys feeling better from not sitting down so much and I'm enjoying my days rather than grinding through them. I decided to return to burning man and this time I'm bringing my partner to show her what it is that made such an impact on me.

Anyway, just wanted to say hello and share my story and I'm looking forward to getting involved with the community and seeing what incredible stuff you guys will come up with again this year!

Also, if anyone could recommend a theme camp that would accept two ppl flying in from Australia I'd greatly appreciate it! Im fairly capable with power tools, my gf is great at everything else

Nice story there kremlin-pancake. I'm usually a member of the school of thought that it is unwise to make any major life altering decisions immediately after attending the burn, but it sounds like things are working out well for you! Glad to hear it!

I hadn't heard of doofs, thanks for sharing a bit of homegrown fun with us. Good luck finding what you need. The man burns in less than 100 days!

KP, Welcome to eplaya. You're doin it right. A lot of us have had our life turned around and upside down after attending. (Especially here on eplaya) Funny. It changes us in ways that we don't realize. I didn't quit my job but I did take on a whole slew of volunteer work. In the San Francisco area you can 'burn' everyday of the year.

Look over the theme camp section here and reach out to the ones that sound right. Highlight your skills and find a good fit. Or you can contact Burners in your area. I know things are different in Australia but they have a huge burner community. It's just that it's spread over a huge area. See you in the dust.

Those aren't buttermilk biscuits I'm lying on Savannah

Pictures or it didn't happen Greycoyote

Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see.Arthur Schopenhauer